Hotels in Downtown, San Antonio

The city’s urban core, Downtown San Antonio is a vibrant district with a dash of Texan charm. The area is divided into a handful of different districts, each with its own unique personality. For shopping and entertainment, the CBD is a dynamic destination. Downtown San Antonio is also alive with culture, with museums, theatres and historic architecture dotting the district.

For tourists, the Alamo Plaza Historic District offers a fascinating glimpse at the city’s Spanish frontier past. Lined with ambient bars, restaurants and cafes, the scenic River Walk is a fantastic place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in the San Antonio sunshine. During the summer months, the sounds of flamenco music flood the air.

Road access in and out of the San Antonio city centre is easy, with the district encircled by a network of roads and freeways that create the Downtown Loop. The Downtown area is well serviced by public transport, including buses and the iconic water taxis that cruise the River Walk strip.

Like many US cities, San Antonio draws its name from Spanish origins. It translates to Saint Anthony, a nod to the Portuguese Catholic priest who was revered for his kindness to the poor and the sick. The name was given to the city by the Spanish in 1691 when a group of Catholic explorers and missionaries stumbled upon the settlement, which was occupied by Payaya Indians at the time.